Henderson County Health Department is offering Fit & Strong in-person exercise workshops at two different locations beginning Monday, March 20, 2023. Classes will be offered from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the health department at 208 West Elm Street in Gladstone, Illinois. A second morning class will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to Noon at the Stronghurst Senior Center at 118 South Broadway in Stronghurst, Illinois 61480. The morning classes will meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 8 weeks. The afternoon classes will meet on Monday and Wednesday for 12 weeks.
Fit & Strong is an evidence-based activity program developed by researchers at the University of Illinois. This 8- or 12-week program targets older adults with osteoarthritis and has demonstrated significant functional and physical activity improvements in this population. However, anyone looking to become more active can experience success with this program. The classes will be taught by Angela Myers and Karen Cole.
Benefits from this program include: Managing arthritis, exercising safely, decreasing joint pain and stiffness, improving daily function, reducing anxiety and depression, and developing and maintaining an active lifestyle. The program uses flexibility exercises, strength training, and aerobic walking to increase aerobic capacity and improve lower extremity stiffness, pain, and strength. Each session ends with a group discussion around a health-related topic.
Registration can be done in advance by calling the health department. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver, acknowledging they are aware of the risks associated with engaging in physical activity. Questions about workshop locations, requirements and/or safety? Please call Angela Myers at Henderson County Health Department. Phone: 309-627-2812, ext. 241.
